Fashionable fundraising at Carman-Ainsworth High School

Staff photo • Jim CheekZ Jacob Towner, 17, a Carman-Ainsworth junior, adjusts his tie after one of several clothing changes during the African-American Student Association fundraising event at Carman-Ainsworth High School in Flint Township. Turn to Page 3 for more on the show.

CARMAN-AINSWORTH, Michigan -- Students turned into models to raise money for the community.

More than 90 auditioned and 42 were chosen to take the runway April 16 for the African-American Student Association Spring Fashion Show at Carman-Ainsworth High School.

There were 400 tickets sold and $1,900 raised after expenses, said Chane Clingman, behavior specialist at the school. He also was the MC for the fifth annual show.

"It was a great evening," Clingman said. "The kids really had a great time. It was an opportunity once again to do something with the community."

staff photo • Jim CheekStudents model a variety of dresses during the African-American Student Association fundraising event at Carman-Ainsworth High School in Flint Township.

Senior Beonka McCloud was a student chairperson of the event and modeled for the fourth year in a row. Her goal was to enjoy herself and put on a great show. Alaina McGowan co-chaired the event with McCloud.

"With this being my last year, it was very special to me," said Beonka, 17. "I put a lot more effort in to it."

"Everybody enjoyed themselves," she said. "The audience went crazy about the clothes and the giveaways."

Prizes included items such as T-shirts, MP3 players and gift certificates to restaurants.

This was the first modeling gig for junior Jabari Day.

"At first I was a little nervous," said Jabari, 17. "I thought I was going to pass out."

Jabari said when he reflected on the event at night's end, it was a good experience.

"It helped me to get in front of a lot of people," he said.

He said being a member of AASA has also helped him grow.

"I get to help the community out," he said.

The AASA funds volunteer outreach projects such as feeding the poor and special events at school, including the Black History Month assembly and the fall talent show. The group is discussing an end-of-the-year cookout for students.

"We've established two student scholarships of $500 each to give to deserving students," Clingman said. Names have yet to be announced.

He said the time and energy he puts in the show is paid back by watching the students grow each year.

"It gives them a chance to get involved," he said. "They may not be an athlete or the A-plus student in the National Honor Society. This gives them another outlet, then they become the leaders for the next year's show."

Clingman said he and the children appreciate Principal Rory Mattar's support of the AASA's events.

Clothes for the show came from the following Flint Township and Flint businesses: Mr. Alan's, The Buckle, Casual Male XL, David's Bridal and Men's Wearhouse.